Jackie Chan (成龙) has been forced into an embarrassing U-Turn over his comments supporting the Philippines police, after they were widely blamed for a number of deaths to Hong Kong citizens in a hostage-taking tragedy last week.

“Maybe what I said wasn’t very clear and it was misunderstood. The content in my Twitter account was posted by my American assistant on my behalf, but after interpretation the posts did not entirely capture what I truly meant to say” — Jackie Chan

Overwhelmed by flak from netizens and Hong Kong celebrities over his Twitter comments, the action hero issued a statement of apology on his website on Friday afternoon.

“Maybe what I said wasn’t very clear and it was misunderstood. The content in my Twitter account was posted by my American assistant on my behalf, but after interpretation the posts did not entirely capture what I truly meant to say,” the statement read in English.

He stressed that he is 100% Chinese and he is from Hong Kong. He said he deeply sympathizes with the victims and their families but “if we start hating each other, it will cause great damage to both Hong Kong and the Philippines.”

He concluded: “If I have caused any misunderstanding or discontent because of my incomplete thoughts and feelings posted on Twitter, I would like to express my deepest and most sincere apologies.”

Some netizens contended that Jackie’s olive branch to Filipinos was because he has a coffee business in the Philippines.

His good friend, actor Eric Tsang (曾志伟) had led the chorus of disapproval and urged his “best friend” to explain himself.

Comments in response to Jackie’s groveling apology ranged from the understanding to still-angry:

“An American assistant will not write such bad English, if he/she is a real American. Don’t lie again & don’t insult us any more. You care more money & sex than love to Hong Kong people,” said “HK Uncle.”

“Hi Jackie! I am a pure 22 years old Filipina and I am very touched of you for not hating us. This is totally an unexpected tragedy that no one desires. We send our sincerest condolences to your country. Godbless!” wrote “Filipina.”

Source: Jackie Chan website on http://jackiechan.com/scrapbook/1061068–Statement-of-Aplogy-from-Jackie-Chan

May Daily Says: Note to Jackie. Fire your “American assistant.” He can’t even spell apology properly!!! (see link address above)